TMJ Treatment

Do you experience clicking, popping, or locking in your jaw joints? Do you wake up each day with sore teeth or a headache? If you experience some of these symptoms, you may have Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder (TMJD).

Millions of Americans suffer from TMJD and do not know that it is treatable. If you notice your teeth are becoming worn, shortened, or chipped, you may be grinding your teeth (a condition called bruxism) or experiencing TMJD.

TMJD Symptoms

Symptoms may range from mildly annoying clicks and pops to severe pain. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact us right away. TMJD does not usually resolve on its own, and when left untreated, may require surgery. If your jaw locks open or closed, it can be frightening and painful. Locked jaws may require surgery.

Some of the most common TMJD symptoms include:

Jaw pain

Neck pain

Headaches

Gum recession

Abfractions (teeth chipped at the gum line)

Shortened teeth

Grinding

Clicking, popping, or locking

Facial pain

Facial swelling

Tinnitus

Cracked teeth

Tooth sensitivity

TMJD Treatment

In our Denver dental office, we can usually treat TMJD and bruxism with an occlusal (night) guard. We offer a variety of options depending on your specific needs and diagnosis. An occlusal guard protects your teeth by placing a barrier between your upper and lower teeth. We will adjust your night guard to feel completely comfortable for you, and you can wear it while you sleep. That is when most people grind their teeth and the largest amount of damage occurs.

Since your night guard is made of acrylic, it absorbs some of the force of your bite and protects your teeth from touching while you sleep. Your jaws are capable of incredible force, and you can literally break our your own teeth while you sleep.

If you choose not to treat your TMJD symptoms, you could risk more pain, tooth loss, broken teeth, and surgery. A night guard is a cost-effective and efficient treatment for most TMJD cases.

What Is Bruxism?

Bruxism is the act of grinding your teeth. While most cases of bruxism occur at night, some patients report clenching or posturing their jaws and teeth during the day. This often happens at times of uncontrolled stress or intense concentration.

Bruxism can make you feel exhausted and can also really take a toll on your teeth. From chips to cracks, the strength of your jaw can do some serious damage. Bruxism has also been identified as a potential cause of TMJD. Just like with TMJD, we can treat bruxism with occlusal guards. The best time to take action is before the full symptoms of TMJD start.

Call For a TMJ Evaluation

Do you think you might have problems with your jaws? Call our Denver, CO dental office, and our highly skilled dentist, Dr. Beth Kreider, can let you know the best plan to protect your teeth and increase your quality of life.

Meet Our Doctor:

Dr. Ewelina Ciula, DDS

"My guiding principle in any care I give is to treat you as though you are a member of my family- to provide you with only what is in your best interest just as I would for my mother, father, sister, or brother. Above all else, my foremost concern is for you, the patient- your comfort, safety, and wellbeing take the utmost precedence. Having the opportunity to serve you year after year with dedication is why I love my profession- and I hope that love is perceptible in every aspect ...

Many of our patients are just as concerned with how they look as how they feel. We know that you want an excellent quality of life and refuse to let anything hold you back. We also know you want to look great and feel totally confident. Beth Kreider DDS is exceptionally skilled at the art of cosmetic dentistry and has improved many patients’ lives by improving the appearance of their smiles.

Dr. Kreider has been a dentist for 28 years and has performed thousands of cosmetic procedures. Her office stays up to speed with the latest technology and equipment so that she can provide you with the best dentistry around.

Our patients constantly say how impressed they are that a few cosmetic improvements can make such a difference in how they look and feel about their smiles. Sometimes, simple cosmetic procedures such as whitening or bonding are all it takes to improve the aesthetics of your teeth.

For those of you who have bigger changes to make, Dr. Beth Kreider can make a treatment plan for a total smile makeover. From veneers to new crowns, we can address every one of your concerns and make sure you feel completely confident that you will have the smile of your dreams.